Spring Break Means Increased Risk of DUI Auto Accidents

March 25, 2015

Spring break is here for many and right around the corner for others, which means sun and fun for many college students and vacationing families. While families and university students look forward to this time to travel, relax and spend time with family and friends, it is appropriate to exercise caution because the volume of DUI arrests and intoxicated drivers spike during spring break.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama analyzed the relationship between spring break and accident crash statistics. The results of the research revealed that the number of auto accidents spikes during this one week holiday period. The demographics of those involved in auto accidents during this one week period also shifted with an elevated number of college aged drivers being involved in DUI accidents resulting in serious injury and wrongful death. While partying university students may be involved in more accidents, the decision to drink and drive endangers motorists of all ages, which includes vacationing families.

While Georgia and other states have enacted stiffer DUI sentences and stepped up enforcement of laws prohibiting drinking and driving, alcohol impaired drivers still account for a third of all motor vehicle accident related fatalities. Alcohol is a factor in approximately sixty percent of fatal car accidents involving teen drivers. Eight teenagers die in drunken driving accidents every day in the U.S.

Drunken drivers pose a serious hazard to everyone on the roadway. Those at-risk of suffering catastrophic injuries that may cause permanent impairment of cognitive functioning or paralysis include passengers in the drunken driver's vehicle, occupants of other motor vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Those on bikes (motorized or pedal driven) and pedestrians face an especially high risk of suffering permanent injury because they do not have the structural protection or safety equipment provided by a car, truck or SUV.

While sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols may be used to help remove alcohol impaired drivers from Georgia streets and highways during this holiday period, the lure of parties and stress relief may entice many college and university students to take their chances. The decision to risk of driving while intoxicated claims the lives of ten thousand people per year.

When drunken drivers are involved in personal injury case or wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia, courts will often award punitive damages on top of damages intended to compensate the victim for injuries and financial loss, including lost earnings, impaired earning ability, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, vehicle damage and more. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct as both a form of deterrent and punishment.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 30 Years of Experience to Work For Your Case!

If you or a loved one is involved in an auto accident in Georgia involving an intoxicated driver, the experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to helping injury victims recover the financial compensation they need to reclaim their lives.

Montlick and Associates have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, , Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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